Philadelphia woman claims sidewalk injury in suit

A Philadelphia woman has filed a premises liability lawsuit against a city corporation for injuries she allegedly suffered after she fell face-first onto broken concrete.

Bucks County attorney Charles Kovler filed the claim May 4 in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas on behalf of client Sophia Agbaje, who alleges that she suffered “cosmetic disfigurement of the face, loss of and injury to teeth,” and mental distress following the incident, which occurred March 6, 2010 at the corner of 11th and Pearl streets.

According to the complaint, Agbaje was walking along 11th Street mid-afternoon when she tripped over a piece of broken sidewalk at the intersection that she claims was obstructed from view.

The incident happened on property believed to be owned by a limited liability corporation titled 1037 Vine Street Acquisition, which is named as the defendant in the suit, along with 1037 Vine Street Acquisition Partnership L.P.

The plaintiff alleges in the lawsuit that even though she was looking where she was going at the time of the incident, she believes the view of the sidewalk was deceptive, appearing flat when, in fact, there was a four-inch drop.

The plaintiff alleges negligence in this case, saying the property owner failed to repair the broken sidewalk, failed to place a warning sign for pedestrians as to the condition of the concrete, and maintained a “deceptive view as shadows and debris hid the existence of the dangerous condition," the complaint states.

The plaintiff is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 and has demanded a non-jury trial.